Public access seminar explains open records, public meetings

Discussion

July 23, 2012

Public access seminar explains open records, public meetings

NEWS AND TRIBUNE newsroom@newsandtribune.com The News and Tribune Mon Jul 23, 2012, 06:54 PM EDT

> SOUTHERN INDIANA — A series of public access seminars are set to be held around the state of Indiana to train residents, government officials and attorneys on Indiana’s laws concerning public records and open meetings.

The sessions — including one Aug. 16 in Sellersburg sponsored by the News and Tribune — are designed so Hoosiers can learn about their legal rights to obtain public records or attend government meetings.

According to a press release, this year’s public access seminar series is sponsored by the Indiana Attorney General’s Office, the Indiana Public Access Counselor’s Office and the Hoosier State Press Association.

“Strong attendance at last year’s seminars by citizens makes it clear that Hoosiers want to know how their government officials make decisions and spend their tax dollars, but they need the tools to gain access to that valuable information,” said Indiana Attorney General Greg Zoeller in the press release. “Government officials and their lawyers may need to brush up on their obligations to keep meetings open and records public and learn about the new legislation passed this year, so the free public access seminar series is good training on transparency for both audiences.”

For attorneys, the sessions count as two hours of free continuing legal education, but the sessions are open to the general public as well.

During the seminar sessions experts will discuss citizens’ rights and officials’ responsibilities under the Indiana Access to Public Records Act and Indiana Open Door Law. The panelists also discuss House Enrolled Act 1003 the Legislature passed this year that for the first time imposes fines on certain public officials who withhold public records or deny access to meetings — $100 for the first violation and $500 for additional violations.

Panelists will explain the public access laws and requirements, and provide practical examples of how public records requests should be initiated by citizens and addressed by officials and attorneys. Audience members will have the opportunity ask questions.

Each seminar session will be from 6 to 8 p.m. local time, so that more working adults can attend. The public access seminars are scheduled to be held around the state through November.

• Sellersburg: Aug. 16 at Ivy Tech Community College, Community Room Ogle Hall, 8204 Ind. 311, sponsored by the News and Tribune.

• Corydon: Oct. 17 with a location to be determined, sponsored by the Corydon Democrat newspaper.

The public, attorneys and government workers are invited to attend the other free sessions of the Public Access Seminar, and attendees are asked to register to ensure adequate space is available. To register, contact the Attorney General’s Office at 317-233-6143 or register online at www.in.gov/attorneygeneral/2840.htm.